long run lapper

I read recently there are something like 70 million blogs in the world. That’s one of those numbers that makes you feel very small, like looking up at the stars or standing next to Kim Beasley.

I also read that only about 30-40% of those blogs are actually regularly updated. With that in mind it’s good to welcome back to the fold Clarkey, of Ausrun and Clarkey’s chronicles fame. That particular blog seemed to disappear from the face of the earth for a while, but he’s back writing regularly now.

Anyway, I’ve mentioned him today because yesterday he accused me of being a “long run lapper”, not without a hint of exhasperation in his blogging voice.

Fair call, Clarkey. You got me.

I do tend to prefer doing laps on my long run. I don’t go as far as doing dozens of laps of an athletics track, but once I’ve mapped out and measured a route, I’m pretty happy to do it again and again. If I get bored, I’ll just do it backwards.

To someone who likes a bit of scenery to look at, I dare say it’s a bit boring, but that’s missing the point. The whole idea is to get to some zen level of boredom and thereby to attain enlightenment and/or unconsciousness. Ask anyone who likes test cricket: it’s strangely compelling.

Running
A 12k (lap) run this morning, including a whole series of fartlek things over “rolling hills”. About two thirds of the way through I remember saying to myself (not out loud, I haven’t gotten to that point yet) “Why am I doing this?”

The answer came back straight away “Self-hatred. You desire to punish yourself for some sin in a previous life.”

Righty-oh then.